In this article, the conservation of three archaeological waterlogged woods (WW) with colophony (COL) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) 4000 was investigated. The results showed that the dimensional stability of WWs significantly improved after the different treatments. The anti-shrink efficiency (ASE) values of the WWs treated with COL ranged between 90% and 95% depending on the species and degree of wood degradation. These values varied from 86% to 97% for the WWs treated with PEG. Microscopic observations showed that the chemically treated woods maintained their original cell structures, forms, and shapes. It was also revealed that the reinforcement of cell walls by the COL treatment was different from those observed for the PEG treatments. It was observed that PEG primarily filled the wood voids, while COL predominantly absorbed on the cell walls. Based on the improved dimensional stability of wood, removability of chemical, and aesthetic results obtained from the treatment, the COL exhibited as alternatives to PEG for the treatment of WW.

Keywords: Archaeological waterlogged wood × Dimensional stability × Colophony × Polyethylene Glycol

Link: https://vafs.gov.vn/en/2019/12/special-issue-number-2019/